Sarah Claire Steinkruger, MD

Sarah Claire Steinkruger, MD, is an internal medicine physician for Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in comprehensive adult primary care, including the prevention, diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic conditions. She has extensive experience managing medically complex patients, coordinating multidisciplinary care and promoting preventive health through evidence-based, patient-centered approaches.

Dr. Steinkruger treats patients with a wide range of health conditions and needs, including diabetes, cardiopulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, metabolic health, autoimmune disorders, neurologic disorders, gastrointestinal disease, musculoskeletal concerns, mental health, substance-use disorders, chronic pain, HIV care, sexual health, LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care, as well as ill-defined conditions and somatic disorders.

Her relationship with patients is built on an unwavering respect for individual autonomy and a steadfast commitment to meeting patients where they are in their healthcare journey. She is dedicated to personalized care that is tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances, practical applicability, and values, objectives and specific healthcare requirements.

Dr. Steinkruger earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. She completed her internal medicine residency at University of Washington-affiliated hospitals as both a clinician and an educator. Following residency, she became an ambulatory chief medical resident at the University of Washington General Internal Medicine Center, where she remained on faculty as a clinical instructor and primary care physician.

Dr. Steinkruger says that what solidified her career path was the recognition that primary care allows her to combine clinical care, education and long-term relationships in a way that is both intellectually rewarding and deeply meaningful. She enjoys being an educator at every stage, whether when teaching patients as they navigate complex health decisions or teaching trainees through clinical care. She serves as a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, where her research interests encompass medical education, curriculum development, patient communication and addressing education and challenging encounters (for both patients and providers) in primary care settings.

Dr. Steinkruger was born and raised in Cottage Grove, Oregon. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her spouse and their three cats as well as with her extended family in Los Angeles, especially her two nieces. In her free time, she likes reading fantasy novels, cooking, exploring new restaurants, watching films and television, attending concerts and sporting events, traveling and playing video games.